Family Walk in Memory of Granddad for Maggie's

MAGGIE'S, the charity which provides free practical and emotional support for people living with cancer, is recruiting supporters to join their team of walkers for this year's Wirral Coastal walk.

The booth family from Liverpool have completed the Wirral Walk the last 2 years to support Maggie's Merseyside. During the walk in 2016 they were told their Grampsy (Grandad) had sadly passed away after battling with Cancer. The booth family now walk each year in memory of their beloved Grampsy.

Candice Booth remembers "It was the day for his Picc Line to be inserted, the day it all became very real. It was on this day my family walked into Maggie's Centre at Clatterbridge. My family not only received the support they needed for my Grampsy but also for themselves. The selfless volunteers and professional team were there for my family when they very first broke down, when it hit home what was about to become of our future. Knowing we had and still have this support 2 years after Grampsy has passed, it helps so much and helps myself feel he is still with us and we are not alone. It is hard to come to terms with cancer hitting your family, let alone knowing it is going to win but the support we received helped us get through and understand what steps were to be taken. Maggie's will forever have a special place in my heart and we will be forever grateful. Thank you Maggie's."

The booth family will walk again Sunday 24 June 2018. Starting at Seacombe Ferry and finishing at Wirral Country Park Thurstaston.

Centre Head Kathy Wright, at Maggie's Merseyside said:- "Here at Maggie's, we know that a cancer diagnosis can affect every aspect of your life especially family life. We see people at all stages of their cancer and quite often the most vital support is to family's, who also need a place to go to gather their thoughts and seek a listening ear. As well as asking difficult questions and gaining a better understanding.' Maggie's provides a safe haven and support for people during their time of need. We are so grateful to Candice and her family for returning support and raising funds for Maggie's."

Built in the grounds of Clatterbridge Hospital Maggie's Merseyside is a warm and welcoming place, with qualified professionals on hand to offer an evidence-based core programme of support that has been shown to improve physical and emotional wellbeing.

Maggie's Merseyside relies solely on the generosity of people If you'd like to participate in the Wirral Coastal Walk, on Sunday, 24 June 2018, you can register on the day at Seacombe Ferry, between 8.30am to 10.30am. The registration fee is ₤5 per adult and ₤1 per child. If you would like more information please contact Sasha on:- 01513344301 or send them an email to receive your Maggie's t-shirt.

To find out more about Maggie's Merseyside and to see how the Centre supports people living with cancer across Wirral, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales please visit the Centre at Clatterbridge or get in touch. You can also visit the Centre's website alternatively you follow them on Facebook Page.

New support service for LGBTQI hate crime victims launched on IDAHOBIT

A new service offering dedicated support for members of the LGBTQI community who have been affected by hate crime will be unveiled as the region marks International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Deputy Police Commissioner Cllr Emily Spurrell will reveal the new specialist support service, which will be delivered by Citizens' Advice Liverpool as part of the Commissioner's Victim Care Merseyside service, during a keynote speech at the Navajo Merseyside and Cheshire Awards Ceremony.

On 17 May, 1990 the World Health Organisation finally removed homosexuality from its official list of mental disorders and IDAHOBIT has been celebrated on that date across the world ever since. The Navajo awards ceremony, which has been held on the same date for the last 6 years, recognises and celebrates companies which have shown their commitment to LGBTQI equality and diversity in the workplace.

The new support service will provide victims of LGBTQI hate crime with emotional support, practical assistance and help to cope and recover from a crime to move forward with their lives.

Liverpool CAB will also work to increase awareness and understanding of LGBTQI hate crime across Merseyside in close partnership with Merseyside Police, community organisations and LGBTQI charities and support groups.

Emily said:- "We know that crimes motivated by hate can have particularly long lasting and devastating repercussions on the lives of those who are targeted. We also know that victims can be particularly vulnerable and may feel isolated or excluded. They need and deserve specialist support which is tailored to their specific needs and which respects their identity.  That's why, through Victim Care Merseyside, we have created specialist services dedicated to supporting victims affected by different strands of hate crime.  I'm delighted that, as we mark International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) at this fantastic awards ceremony, I am in a position to unveil this service which is specifically designed to help and support members of the LGBTQI community who have been targeted simply because of their sexuality or gender identity.  The theme for IDAHOBIT in 2018 is 'alliances for solidarity' and an integral element of this new service is for Citizens' Advice Liverpool to work with the Police, our community safety partners and all organisations which support the LGBTQI community to build confidence, let people know they do not have to suffer alone and tackle hate crime together."

The service is part of the wider package of support for victims of crime created by the region's Police and Crime Commissioner, Jane Kennedy, and delivered through Victim Care Merseyside. It also includes a dedicated support service for victims of racial hate crime delivered by the Anthony Walker Foundation and a service for victims of disability hate crime provided by Daisy UK.

All 3 of these services are supported by a pan-Merseyside independent hate crime reporting service delivered by national charity Stop Hate UK. The decision to fund this service was also unveiled at the Navajo Awards Ceremony on IDAHOBIT 4 years ago by the Commissioner.

Heather Brent, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Liverpool said:- "Citizens Advice Liverpool welcome the opportunity to be part of this initiative supporting members of the LGB&T community who have been victims of hate crime and targeted simply because of their sexuality or gender identity. We have a long tradition of opposing all forms of discrimination including hate crimes. We will work with the LGB&T community and individuals to develop a service fit for purpose through co-production and ensure that our role in this partnership helps victims of crime to improve their health and wellbeing through practical and social support."

The new LGBTQI support service can be contacted via email or via calling:- 0344 848 7700. If you've been a victim of crime, visit:- VictimCareMerseyside.Org for advice, information and to find support services.